DTI targets increase in Phl coffee output

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wants to increase the country’s coffee production to take advantage of growing domestic and international demand.

“There are vast opportunities in the regional and global production networks that we can take advantage of. The quality of our workers and the quality of our coffee beans will be key to the success of Philippine coffee in the domestic and international markets,” Trade assistant secretary Ceferino Rodolfo said in a statement.

Apart from the domestic market, there are opportunities for the country to cater to demand for coffee in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which has a population of 600 million.

Coffee, like most goods in the ASEAN, have been trading at zero tariff under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement since 2010, in preparation for the regional economic integration next year.

The ASEAN Economic Community seeks to allow free flow of goods, services, skilled labor, investments and capital within the region.

To tap opportunities, the DTI is implementing programs to  support the growth of the country’s coffee production.

“Interventions include branding and promotions, availability of financial loans, capacity building and trainings, and capital equipment,” Rodolfo said.

In the Cordillera region, where some 112 micro and small medium enterprises (MSMEs) depend on coffee growing and trading for their livelihood, he said the DTI, in partnership with other government agencies, provide shared service facilities or machines for roasting and grinding.

“Collaboration to support the coffee industry exists both on the national and local levels. Government agencies, coffee growers, and traders have been working since 2011 to prioritize the development of the coffee industry in the Cordilleras,” DTI regional director for the Cordillera Administrative Region Myrna Pablo said.